Air Travel Consumer Report

Aviation Consumer Protection Home Page Español/Spanish Organization & Functions | Air Travel Problems/Complaints | Air Travel Consumer Report | Rules & Guidelines Travel Tips & Publications | Airline Customer Service Plans | Service Cessations | Safety/Security Information Air Travel Service Problems How complaints are handled The Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD) operates acomplaint handling system for consumers who experience air travelservice problems. Consumers with concerns about airline safetyshould call the Federal Aviation Administrationtoll-free at 1-800-255-1111. Consumers withconcerns about aviation security should register their comments with theTransportation Security Administration at www.tsa.gov/public/contactus . Consumers can call, write or e-mail the ACPD to register theirconcerns about airline service. You may call the ACPD 24 hourseach day at 202-366-2220 (TTY 202-366-0511) to record your complaint. Calls are returned Monday through Friday, generally between 7:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern time. Letters ande-mails will be reviewed and acknowledged andwill be forwarded to an airline official for furtherconsideration. Our mailing address is: Aviation Consumer Protection Division, C-75 U.S. Department of Transportation 400 7th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20590 Our e-mail address is airconsumer@dot.gov Whether you call, write or e-mail, please be brief and concisein the description of your problem and be sure to include thefollowing information: your name address daytime phone number (including area code) name of the airline or company about which you are complaining flight date flight number origin and destination cities of your trip. If you write, you should also include a copy of your airlineticket (not the original) and any correspondence you have alreadyexchanged with the company. If your complaintconcerns accessibility problems experienced by a passenger with a disability, oralleged discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion orancestry, please click here for information on where to file your complaint. If you determine from that document that yourcomplaint should be filed here with DOT’s Aviation Consumer ProtectionDivision, use the link in that page or your browser’s “Back” button toreturn to this page. If you are filing an accessibility or discriminationcomplaint with us, we have optional complaint forms for these two types ofcomplaints that you may download and/or print if you wish. Complaints of thistype may be filed on the appropriate form, or by letter or e-mail. Click here for additional information about filing a complaint about accessibility problemswith an airline that were experienced by a passenger with a disability. Clickhere for additional information about filing acomplaint about alleged discrimination by airlines based on race, color,national origin, sex, religion or ancestry. All complaints are entered in DOT's computerized aviation industry monitoring system, and are charged to the company in question in the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report . This report is distributed to the industry and made available to the news media and the general public so that consumers and air travel companies can compare the complaint records of individual airlines and tour operators. These complaints are reviewed to determine the extent to which carriers are in compliance with federal aviation consumer protection regulations. This system also serves as a basis for rulemaking, legislation and research. The Department of Transportation produces an annual Report to Congress summarizing complaints that air carriers receive about disability-related issues. Click here to see this report. The ACPD publishes a number of booklets and fact sheets on air travel consumer protection issues. Organization & Functions | Air Travel Problems/Complaints | Air Travel Consumer Report | Rules & Guidelines Travel Tips & Publications | Airline Customer Service Plans | Service Cessations | Safety/Security Information Additional information may be obtained by contacting airconsumer@dot.gov . Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings 400 Seventh Street, SW, Room 4107 Washington, DC 20590 http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov

family vacation reviews, ideas,

Florida family vacations - family travel files: vacations Search Family Travel Files family vacations, family vacation reviews, ideas, travel articles, news, deals and specials Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Family Travel Ezine Vacation Reviews News Articles & more Family Travel News Family Vacations Ideas and Options Vacations On File Family Events Field Trips Vacation Reviews Vacation Advice Teen Takes Vacation Deals Site Map Free Newsletter Trip Planner Vacation Reviews Ideas Options Deals USA Vacations World Vacation Guide Canada Vacations Mexico Vacations Central America South America Caribbean Vacations Europe United Kingdom Australia Vacations New Zealand Asia & Pacific Rim Family Vacations Directory USA Florida All Regions Capital city: Tallahassee Famous resident: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings the award-winning children's author best known for The Yearling as well as Secret River. Moment in history: In 1513 Juan Ponce de Leon explored the area and named it. Trivia: In 1565 Pedro Menendez establishes St. Augustine for Spain. Best family event: Gamble Rodgers Folkfest in St. Augustine every May. Family Vacations Tip: Spaceport USA at Kennedy Space Center and turtle watching nearby. Wild Places: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Florida by Regions: All Regions Northwest Pensacola, Panama City, Beaches of South Walton, Destin, Sandestin North Central Tallahassee, Steinhatchee, Gainesville, Crystal River, Live Oak, Lake City Northeast Amelia Island, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Crescent Beach, Palm Coast Central West Tampa, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota Central Kissimmee/St. Cloud, Orlando, Lakeland, Ocala Central East Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Ft. Pierce, Stuart Southwest Ft. Myers, Naples, Sanibel/Captiva, Marco Island Southeast Jupiter, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami Beach, Miami, Key Largo, Key West Florida Related Ezine Articles: Field Trip Florida: Space Coast, Naturally Cool. Cocoa Beach Its where the good stuff is - from the technological wonders of NASAs Kennedy Space Center and the natural beauty of Merritt Island to miles of uncrowded beaches and awesome surf. Spanning the communities of Titusville, Palm Beach, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach and more the Space Coast offers everything to make a perfect family vacation. Need examples? Read on On File Florida: Naples, They Have It All. Naples Egrets and alligators, miles of shopping and fairways, friendly museums and toe tempting beaches, fine dinning and unbelievable sunsets -- they have it all in Naples according to Leona Wren-Faust. That is why it is a perfect vacation spot for her and it works for her whole family too. On File Florida: Key West and Lower Keys, Taking the Kids. Key West A vacation in the Florida Keys can be almost magical. The Overseas Highway (a.k.a. U.S. Route 1) is an extraordinary rolling field trip. Distance is measured by mile markers, the closer to Key West the smaller the number. Cross the Seven-mile Bridge and you will be in the Lower Keys. From Big Pine and Grassy Key all the way to Key West there are dozens of opportunities for mini adventures and plenty of stuff for building one-of-a-kind memories. On File Florida: Key Largo and the Upper Keys, Taking the Kids, Key largo Pack up and head south from Miami along US #1 (a.k.a. The Overseas Highway). Distance is measured by mile markers, the closer to Key West the smaller the number. The wows and cools start as Homestead fades in the rear view mirror. From Key Largo and Tavenier to Islamorada and Marathon the views are awesome and the opportunities for mini adventures endless. Field Trip Florida: Naples, Going to the Zoo Day or Night. Naples Caribbean Gardens, the Zoo in Naples offers families oodles of great activities in a tropical paradise. Comfortable and truly attentive to families, the grounds showcase a variety of endangered animals and provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as interactive learning. It is an ideal setting for a family field trip with plenty of spaces for a picnic too. Field Trip Florida: Cocoa Beach, Taking the Kids Surfing. Cocoa Beach In the last decade the sport of surfing has evolved to include just about anyone who loves the beach. The combination of sunshine, seagulls, sunscreen, sand and surf create the ultimate backdrop for a family vacation at the beach with surfing as part of the fun.In Florida surfers thrive on the waves along the Atlantic Coast. Perhaps the premier surfing spot is Cocoa Beach, the home of Ron Jons Surf Shop. Field Trip Florida: Space Coast, Spacing Out on Vacation. Kennedy Space Center From our gathering point on the tranquil sandy beach the waiting seemed nearly unbearable. The youngest members of our group continued to dig canals to the-less-than-regal sandcastle. The rest of us passed the binoculars and waited. Field Trip USA: Tutankhamun Treasures Bring Ancient Egypt to Life. Fort Lauderdale Make plans to take the kids and go. It will be the field trip of the decade. Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago and Philadelphia will host the Boy King between now and 007. Where else can you see firsthand the regal artifacts dating from 1550 B.C. and hear more about the mysteries surrounding the boy-king. On File Cruises: Florida, Launching from Port of Call Canaveral. Cruises: Florida, Port of Call Canaveral. Consider arriving early or staying on for the fun. One trip, two vacations, and twice the fun, the rich diversity of activity choices makes Canaveral a "bonus" port of call for families on vacation. It is the perfect launch spot for vacation experiences that span the gamut from high tech space tours, fine arts, and theatre to really wild experiences like turtle sighting, swamp skimming, bird watching and stargazing. Ideas and Options Florida: Fort Myers, Give the Gift of Sail Power. Few experiences in life are more rewarding than sailing or power boating with friends and family. Doing it well is a combination of learning a new skill and feeling safe and confident at all times. A gift of sail or power training is a perfect choice for the adventurer or dreamer on ones holiday gift list this year. Gift certificates in $100 increments can be purchased as a deposit for any course or clinic offered by Offshore Sailing School and its Power Cruise School. Family Vacation Ideas Registry Resort & Club Naples Create the perfect beach vacation. www.registryresort.com Related Article The Bahia Mar Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach Bahia Mar King Tut Exhibit Package Great seaside resort plus tickets to a world-class exhibition. www.bahiamarhotel.com Related Article Edgewater Beach Hotel Naples Vacation on the edge, toes in the sand. www.edgewaternaples.com Related Article Casa Marina Resort Key West Offering the best rate online guarantee. www.CasaMarinaResort.com Related Article Go Orlando Card Orlando Save waiting in line time and money. www.GoOrlandoCard.com Related Article Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa Destin An Emerald Coast beach resort paradise on the Gulf of Mexico. Were all-suite and full service making any family vacation a breeze. www.sandestinbeachhilton.com Related Article Go Miami Card Miami Take advantage of exclusive values and save up to 20% on shopping and dining throughout the city. www.goMiamiCard.com Related Article Home 1998-2005 Travel Communications Inc. privacy statement webmaster link to us about us Advertise Pressroom Contact Family Vacation Directory USA Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio family Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Virginia Beach Washington Washington D. C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Family Travel Files Ezine Family Adventure Vacations Family Beach Vacations Cheap Sleeps Family Cruises Family Vacations Mountains Theme Parks Links Use of Travel Communications, Inc. , websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use Best viewed using IE 6.0 or higher Revised12/07/05

Europe Travel

Lonely Planet | Postcards | Europe worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links POSTCARDS africa Americas & the Caribbean Asia Australasia & the Pacific Europe Middle East Europe Albania Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia Britain Bulgaria Canary Islands Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Greenland Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Serbia & Montenegro Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine Lonely Planet receives thousands of letters every month from travellers who have ventured forth to every corner of the globe. As some paths are more well-trodden than others, some countries receive more feedback than others. However, we put up as much relevant and useful information as we can, so if somewhere hasn't had any new Postcards for a while, it's not that we're not taking care of the pages, it's that we haven't had any feedback lately that we think is of interest to travellers. If you're after a specific piece of information, try asking on the Thorn Tree , where there are tens of thousands travellers to give you the benefit of their knowledge, or if your guidebook needs a little updating with verified information, check out our online Upgrades . Best of all, if you know something that might help other travellers, send it through to us via the web form on the Feedback page and help us fill the gaps! More Resources WorldGuide Explore destinations Thorn Tree Forum Travel talk Shop Guidebooks & more Travel Services Make your booking text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

cruise vacation. Travelers can

Luxury Cruises, Luxury Cruise Ships, Luxury Cruise Lines, Luxury Cruise Experts, Luxury Cruise Agents Luxury Cruises, Luxury Cruise Ships, Luxury Cruise Lines, Luxury Cruise Speicalists Site Index Luxury Cruise Tours Guide. Small Ships Guide. Luxury Barge Guide Virtuoso Luxury Cruises, Barges and River Cruise Specialists Luxury Cruises: Call 1-800.330-8820 to book now. Open every day! Luxury Cruise Destinations World Luxury Cruises Asia River Cruises European River Cruises River Cruises in America Hawaii Luxury Cruises South Pacific/Tahiti Baltic/Russia Cruises Scandinavia/North Cape Cruises Alaska Luxury Cruises Caribbean Cruises Panama Canal Cruises Mexico Luxury Cruises Mediterranean West Cruises Europe Western Cruises British Isles/ Ireland Greek Isle/Aegean Bermuda Cruises Costa Rica Cruises South America Cruises Amazon River Cruises Antarctica Cruises Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Luxury Cruises Southern Africa Luxury Cruises Canarys/North Africa Far East/Orient Luxury Cruises Southeast Asia Luxury Cruises Trans-Atlantic Luxury Cruises Trans-Pacific Luxury Cruises Russia Europe Cruises Costa Rica Luxury Cruises East Coast Cruises India Luxury Cruises Israel/Egypt Luxury Cruises New England/Canada Red Sea/Suez Canal West Coast Cruises Alaska Cruise Private Shore Excursions Client testimonials Contact Us Luxury Cruises, Luxury Cruise Ships, Luxury Cruise Lines, Luxury Cruise Specialists In this section you will find all the great l uxury cruises, exceptional small ship cruises, exciting adventure cruises, fun river cruises and luxurious barge vacations . We have specialists for every luxury cruise line, and have carefully choosen only the most prestigious lines that we know you will thoroughly enjoy . We also feature the finest luxury cruise tours. You will find everything here except the sunscreen . Our cruise specialists are some of the most respected, award winning, highly recommended cruise consultants in the world . Our phenomenal success is due to our forging personal relationships based on trust and integrity with our customers. Our name opens doors and guarantees value. Our Virtuoso luxury cruise specialists specialize in connecting you to the worlds best cruise destinations - in the best ways possible. They will take the time to get to know you so that your personal vacation dreams become reality. They are experts in the art of cruising, will serve as your advocate and will always available to you. We readily handle luxury cruises, vacations, tours and travel requests from all parts of the globe. Sophisticated cruise travelers know the extraordinary value of our custom vacations and renowned service. Our professional services suit the world's most demanding travelers. Savvy traveler's use our wealth of priceless information to help them decide on where to find a safe, quality vacation experience. You will get a lot more than you pay for with us---like free shore excursions, free upgrades, past passenger rates, even pre and post hotel packages, business or first class air discounts, including outstanding amenities such as complimentary upgrades, privileged access opportunities and private events at many top international and domestic destinations. Because we offer insider connections and industry expertise-- along with the guidance and know-how you require to make educated travel choices. You will get unsurpassed value in the world of upscale travel. Our clients enjoy special travel savings and are treated as VIPs from the moment they embark on their cruise vacation. Travelers can choose from more than 500 Virtuoso Voyager Club departures aboard the world's top cruise lines and enjoy exclusive cocktail receptions, special tours and advantageous pricing. Our luxury cruise specialists start with the best price on over 500 cruise departures. Then we add nights in five-star resorts; dinner at Michelin-starred restaurants; private tours and great parties. All with the compliments of Voyager Club, by Virtuoso. We can also arrange private shore excursions in any port around the world, for just the two of you. Ask about our Voyager Club Sailings in our extensive inventory of luxury cruise vacations. Why Should You Use our Virtuoso Luxury Cruise Specialists ? We are Specialists in the Art of Travel. Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "one of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Fine Living TV, and the Neiman Marcus Awards Program. Travelwizard.com was picked by the NBC Today Show to orchestrate the perfect honeymoon destination for their " Throws a Wedding " show. We are very proud that the turned to Travelwizard.com to find the perfect honeymoon. Travelwizard.com's renowned destination specialists designed the perfect honeymoon for the NBC Today Show Ellen DeGeneres, on the Ellen DeGeneres Show uses Travelwizard.com as her number one source for luxury vacations throughout the world. We are very proud to be the first choice for sophisticated travelers like Ellen DeGeneres! Book Your Luxury Cruise Vacation Submit a vacation planner to our Virtuoso Travel Specialists Client testimonials Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Luxury Cruises Seabourn Cruise Line Radisson Seven Seas Silversea Cruises Windstar Cruises MSC Cruises Oceania Cruises Sea Dream Yacht Club Crystal Cruises Great American River Journeys Cunard Line Clipper Cruises Holland America Line Star Clippers Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Hebridean Island Cruises Orient Lines Celebrity Cruises Peter Deilmann Cruises Viking River Cruises Travel Dynamics Cruises American West Steamboat Cruises Lindblad Expeditions Swan Hellenic ResidenSea American Safari Cruise West Costa Cruises Globus European River Cruises Delta Queen River Cruises Zegrahm E xpeditions Disney Cruises Tauck World Discovery French Waterways The Moorings National Geographic Cruises International Expeditions Orient Express Cruises Helpful cruise Information Free, Full Service Luxury Cruises Vacation Planners Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your Luxury Cruises vacation with our full service Virtuoso Cruise Consultants . We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Luxury Cruises Specialists, and will arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! You may call our Luxury Cruises Consultants, but first--- we'd really appreciate it if you complete our " Luxury Cruises Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1-800 -330 -8820 to book your Luxury Cruise vacation. For Luxury Vacations: "Worldwide Luxury Vacation Planner" For Luxury Tours: "Worldwide Tour Planner" After you've completed your vacation planner you may call 1-800 -330 -8820 to book your luxury vacation. Thank you very much! Regional Travel and Vacation Guides Africa Asia Australia Caribbean Islands Canada Central America Europe Fiji Islands Hawaiian Islands Indian Ocean Costa Rica Mexico Mediterranean Middle East New Zealand South America South Pacific Tahiti Islands United States Special Interest Vacations Corporate Vacations Adventure Travel Ski Vacations Culinary Vacations Small Ship Vacations Virtuoso Hotels Spa Vacations Private Jet Vacations Family Vacations Food and Wine Scuba Diving All-inclusive Vacations Europe River Cruises Luxury Villas Luxury Tours Honeymoon Specials Wedding Vacations National Geographic Space Adventures Yacht Charters Golfing Vacations Active Vacations Biking Vacations Hiking Vacations Sports Travel Train Vacations ClubMed Vacations River Cruises Luxury Cruise Destinations Luxury Cruises Cruise Vacations South Pacific/Tahiti Hawaiian Islands Scandinavia Alaska Cruises Caribbean Panama Canal Mexico Cruises Mediterranean West Europe Western British Isles/ Ireland Greek Isle/Aegean Bermuda Cruises Costa Rica South America River Amazon Antarctica Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Africa Southern Canarys/North Africa Far East/Orient Southeast Asia Trans-Atlantic Trans-Pacific Russia Europe East Coast Cruises India Cruises Israel/Egypt New England/Canada Red Sea/Suez Canal West Coast World Cruises Baltic/Russia Luxury Cruise Lines Crystal Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Windstar Cruises Clipper Cruises Silversea Cruises Oceania Cruises Am West Steamboat Princess Cruises European River Norwegian Cruise ResidenSea Holland America Line Sea Dream Yacht Club American Safari Travel Dynamics Seabourn Cruise Orient Express Royal Caribbean Orient Lines Star Clippers Cunard Line Costa Cruises Cruise West Celebrity Cruises National Geographic Hebridean Cruises MSC Cruises Lindblad Expeditions Peter Deilmann Viking River Cruises Swan Hellenic Delta Queen River Zegrahm Expeditions Disney Cruises Tauck Discovery French Waterways The Moorings Int'l Expeditions Carnival Cruise Great American River Journeys About Travel Wizard Advertising Info Privacy Contact Us Home We accept credit cards: During this time of price volatility in the travel, tour and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked. State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 We are on the Better Business Bureau Honor Roll. Travel Agent Opportunities Contact Information Advertise with Travel Wizard 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Tropical Island Vacation Dept. All rights reserved.

Italy Travel

Vicenza, Italy - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger,Sheboygan, Wisconsin Vicenza townsquare Vicenza (ancient Vicentia ), city in northern Italy, capital of Vicenza Province, in Veneto Region, situated at the junction of the Bacchiglione and Retrone rivers. Vicenza is a commercial and manufacturing center. Products include textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, and processed food. The town is noted for its splendid churches, palaces, and other buildings, many of which were designed by the architect Andrea Palladio. Parts of a 13th-century wall that encircled the town are still standing. so-called Basilica, or town hall, of Vicenza. (renovations started by Palladio in 1549) Vicenza was originally a Ligurian town. A free commune in the Middle Ages, it was ruled by Venice from 1404 to 1797 and by Austria from 1797 to 1866. The city was badly damaged in World War II (1939-1945). Population (1990 estimate) 109,333. Palladio, Andrea (1508-80), Italian architect, one of the most influential architects in European history. Palladio was born November 30, 1508, in Padua (Padova), and trained as a stonemason. Originally named Andrea di Pietro dalla Gondola, he received the name Palladio when he joined the academy of the Italian poet Giangiorgio Trissino, who oversaw Palladio's architectural studies. Trissino took him to Rome, where Palladio studied and measured Roman architectural ruins; he also absorbed the treatises of Vitruvius, possibly the most important of the Roman architects. One outcome of these studies was Palladio's Antiquities of Rome (1554), the principal guidebook to Roman ruins for the next two centuries. Palladio's first work of major importance was the renovation (begun 1549) of the facade and exterior supporting structure of the so-called Basilica, or town hall, of Vicenza. In and near Vicenza he designed many residences and public buildings. The best known of these are the Barbarano, Chieregati, Tiene, Porto, and Valmarana palaces and the Villa Capri, or Villa Rotonda. From about 1560 to 1580 he built several churches in Venice, notably San Francesco della Vigna, San Giorgio Maggiore, and Il Redentore. His last great work was the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, completed after his death (in Vicenza) in August 1580. Villa Rotonda Although the historical antecedents of Palladio's style are the classically Roman-influenced High Renaissance works of architects such as the Italian Donato Bramante, Palladio's own use of classical motifs came through his direct, extensive study of Roman architecture. He freely recombined elements of Roman buildings as suggested by his own building sites and by contemporary needs. At the same time he shared the Renaissance concern for harmonious proportion, and his facades have a noteworthy simplicityalmost austerityand repose. Palladio was the first architect to develop a systematic organization of the rooms in a house. He was also the first to apply to houses the pedimented porticos of Roman templesformal porches defined by a shallow triangular gable supported by a row of columns. Both these features are exemplified in the Villa Rotonda. Palladio's buildings were highly functional, often ingeniously so. In the facade of the basilica, for example, the arches are supported on slender columns; between the columns and the vertical piers that separate the arches are narrow rectangular spaces. (This pattern of an arch flanked by rectangular spaces was so widely imitated that it became known as the Palladian motif.) The arrangement allows the piers between the arches to be narrow, rather than wide and massive, and it allows more light to pass into the main building while giving the facade an open, harmonious appearance. Palladio was the author of an important scientific treatise on architecture, I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura (1570, 2nd ed. 1580; trans. The Four Books of Architecture, 1571), which was widely translated and influenced many later architects. Its precise rules and formulas were widely utilized, especially in England, and were basic to the Palladian style, adopted by Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, and other English architects, which preceded and influenced the neoclassical architecture of the Georgian Style. Text by Microsoft Encarta building facade Fortress in Soave entrance courtyard carved stair post Return to Italy page Return to Europe page Return to People and Places